Lipstick Love

You know how they say, if you love something let it go?  That's precisely how my love affair with this top happened.  I spotted it at Anthropologie in Chicago and just about burst from happiness overload right there on the spot.  Lipstick is my love language so I knew it had to be mine.  I'm working on that whole impulse shopping thing, so I decided to wait and see if I really, truly couldn't possibly live without it.  Wouldn't you know that it's all I thought about once I got back home and settled into my regular routine!  Needless to say, I trekked over to the mall that next weekend and scooped this pretty little thing right up.

And then there's these shoes.  I mentioned my quite successful Nordstrom Rack haul where I found my denim jacket seen here.  While I was there, I moseyed on over to the shoes (bad idea) and found these just sitting there waiting for me.  The pink was enough but the bow had me hook, line and sinker.  Going back to that whole impulse thing, I didn't want to let these slip through my fingers but I didn't want to fork out that much money at the same time so I went ahead and bought them, knowing that I could return them if I decided after my trip that I could do without. 

Obviously, I didn't return them.  I knew that they were a match made in heaven for this top and hence my perfect outfit was born.  I couldn't find these online but you may still be able to find them at your local Nordstrom Rack!  I've linked a few similar options for you below as well!

Top | Anthropologie

Jeans | Loft

Shoes | Kate Spade

Bag | Michael Kors

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Five Lipsticks for Valentine's Day

Lately I've been all about that lipstick life, the brighter the better.  It's funny because even just a year ago, I'd be hiding behind a safe MLBB shade.  While there's nothing wrong with that and I still rock a good nudey-pink some days, it's even more fun to try out pretty shades of red, pink and purple.  The key is to have the confidence to do so, and make sure you keep a good balance with the rest of your makeup.  In the spirit of love month, I wanted to share five of my favorite fun shades that have been on constant rotation in my makeup bag lately.

1.

Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick

- Melted Fuschia

I admit I was a little hesitant to try this one because it's really bright.  Like, really bright.  But it's also very flattering, especially if you have a paler complexion like I do, because it's a blue-based hot pink.  The tube packaging is pretty much fool proof, and I don't even need liner to get a crisp line.  Try this one with full lashes and filled in brows and you're good to go.

2.

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick

- Outlaw

I can't say enough good things about this lipstick.  The color is just bright enough while maintaining that true red tone, and it definitely stays in place through meals and anything else the day might throw at you.  I like to use a bright red lip liner with this to really make it pop.  Plus, it pairs perfectly with a flirty cat eye.  You can't go wrong with a cat eye.

3.

Tarte Power Pigment

- Flush   

This one is more of a berry pink, and it definitely stands out.  You have to reapply throughout the day to maintain the moisture, but it does leave a pretty stain as it wears and the pencil makes it easy.  If you're a fan of bolder pinks, this is calling your name.  And because it's not so bright, I like to rock a neutral eye look when I wear this lippie.

4.

Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick

- Icon

If you're feeling brave, I highly recommend this liquid lipstick.  It's the boldest of bolds when it comes to red, and incredibly dark and pigmented.  This stuff won't go anywhere all day.  Seriously, it looked just as good after 8 hours of wear as though I had just applied it.  It can run a little vampy because it's so dark, but a nice smokey eye would also play that up.

5.

Makeup Forever Rouge Artist Natural

- No9 Copper Pink

Now I know everyone isn't as daring as me when it comes to makeup choices, so I definitely wanted to include a lipstick that was a bit more wearable for everyday.  The best part is, if you're a Sephora Beauty Insider you probably already have this since it was part of the birthday gift last year!  I'll wait while you go run and dig it out from the bottom of your drawer.  Got it?  Good.  Yes, this is pretty amazing for those days when I want a colorful lip but I don't want to draw so much attention and play up my eyes instead.  If you haven't already, try it on.  You won't be disappointed.

What are your favorite fun lipsticks for Valentine's day?

xoxo,

Amanda